AD 2002-02-51

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES EMERGENCY RULES: 2002-02-51

CITATION: This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:

DOCKET NUMBER: 2002-SW-02-AD

AMENDMENT:

AD NUMBER: 2002-02-51

SUBJECT HEADING: Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and EC130 B4 helicopters,

ACTION:

SUMMARY:

DATES:

ADDRESSES:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATE: February 6, 2002 2002-02-51

Send to all U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and EC130 B4 helicopters.

This Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by reports of bonding failures between the metal bushing and the STARFLEX star arm end (arm end) that led to severe vibrations resulting in several emergency landings. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in bonding failure between a metal bushing and an arm end resulting in severe lateral vibrations and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The FAA has reviewed Eurocopter France (ECF) Alert Telex Nos. 05.00.38, 05.00.37 R1, and 05.A.001 R1, dated November 13, 2001 (Telex). The Telex specifies checking the adhesive bead of the metal bushing bonded on each arm end for a gap between the adhesive bead and the bushing. ECF is currently analyzing modifications to this assembly.

The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on these helicopter models. The DGAC advises of several occurrences of rapid bonding failure of the metal bushings installed on the arm ends, severe vibrations, and some emergency landings. The DGAC classified the Telex as mandatory and issued AD Nos. 2001-557-086(A) R1, 2001-558-064(A) R1, and 2001-559-002(A) R1, all dated November 28, 2001, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.

These helicopter models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the applicable bilateral agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of these type designs that are certificated for operation in the United States.

This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type designs. Therefore, this AD requires, at specified intervals, checking for a gap between the adhesive bead and the metal bushing bonded on each arm end and, if a gap is found, replacing the STARFLEX with an airworthy part before further flight.

An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the visual check required by paragraph (a) of this AD and must enter compliance with this AD into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This AD allows a pilot to perform this check because it involves only a visual check for a gap in the adhesive bead between the bushing and each arm end and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic.

This rule is issued under 49 U.S.C. Section 44701 pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, and is effective immediately upon receipt of this emergency AD.

REGULATORY TEXT: 2002-02-51 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Docket No. 2002-SW-02-AD.

Applicability: Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and EC130 B4 helicopters, certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required before each start of the engines and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 hours time-in-service.

To detect bonding failure between the metal bushing and each STARFLEX star arm end (arm end) which could result in severe lateral vibrations and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Check for a gap between the adhesive bead and the metal bushing bonded on each of the three arm ends.

Note 2: Alert Telex Nos. 05.00.38, 05.00.37 R1, and 05.A.001 R1, dated November 13, 2001, pertain to the subject of this AD.

(b) An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the visual check required by paragraph (a) of this AD and must enter compliance with this AD into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This AD allows a pilot to perform this check because it involves only a visual check for a gap between the adhesive bead and the bushing on each arm end and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic.

(c) If you find a gap between the adhesive bead and the metal bushing, replace the STARFLEX with an airworthy part before further flight.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group.

(e) Special flight permits will not be issued.

(f) Emergency AD 2002-02-51, issued February 6, 2002, becomes effective upon receipt.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile, (France) AD Nos. 2001-557-086(A) R1, 2001-558-064(A) R1, and 2001-559-002(A) R1, all dated November 28, 2001.

FOOTER: Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 6, 2002. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.